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Community water fluoridation first began in 1945. Data from studies performed in the 1930’s showed 50-60% lower tooth decay rates in children consuming naturally occurring, optimally fluoridated water compared to children consuming fluoride-deficient water. Even with the widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste, fluoridation of the water supply will reduce decay 20-40%! In April 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. This list of achievements, which also includes vaccinations and control of infectious diseases, was developed to highlight significant contributions that impact the health and well being of the public. With the use of bottled water and filtering systems on home taps, is it possible that the water from these sources contains inadequate fluoride levels? According to the American Dental Association, the answer is possibly. Water softeners and charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis removes 65-95% of the fluoride. Steam distillation removes 100% of the fluoride content. In testing done by the ADA, most bottled water contains less than the optimum 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million of fluoride. Although water softeners and carbon/charcoal filters seem to be OK, the only way to be certain of the actual fluoride content in any water supply is to have it tested. Your dentist can help you with this via testing provided by the NC Heath Department Laboratories.
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